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On the western bank of the river Narog, beneath the forested hills of Taur-en-Faroth, the Caverns of Narog were first known as Nulukkizdîn, secretly inhabited by the Petty-dwarves before they were driven out.[1]

After the return of the Noldor to Middle-earth, King Thingol described the Caverns to his kinsman Finrod. Inspired by Menegroth in Doriath, and seeking a hidden place from which to be safe from the forces of Morgoth, Finrod chose those caves to build his great underground fortress, and established Nargothrond. He was aided by the Dwarves of the Ered Luin, who also made for him the Nauglamír, the Necklace of the Dwarves and gave him his famous surname, Felagund, Hewer of Caves. Finrod rewarded them with treasures he brought from Tirion.[2]

What became of the Petty-Dwarves at this time is not recorded, but at least some escaped to dwell in Amon Rûdh.[3]

Finrod ruled Nargothrond until he joined Beren in his quest for the Silmaril and handed rule to Orodreth. However, since the Dagor BragollachCelegorm and Curufin, the sons of Fëanor, were defeated and retreated to Nargothrond where they were received as one of them. Although the city grew stronger because of this, the influence of the sons of Feänor became higher. Celegorm and Curufin lived in Nargothrond at the time Finrod departed with Beren and were more powerful than Orodreth until Finrod's death was reported, at which time they were exiled.

Túrin Turambar later came to Nargothrond and became one of its chief fighters, but he also persuaded the people to fight openly against Morgoth (the bridge was built at this time), which eventually led to its sack by the army of the dragon Glaurung.

Glaurung stayed there for about five more years guarding his stolen hoard until he went northeast to Brethil to assail Túrin and was killed by him at Cabed-en-Aras. Then, Mîm the Petty-dwarf settled there reclaiming his people's ancient home until he was killed by Húrin. The realm remained deserted for the rest of the First Age until the War of Wrath when it went down with the rest of Beleriand.